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Author
Topic: wtf?! cats get it too?? (Read 4577 times)

Normally I don't really like cats. They think they're better than me. But something happened over the weekend that really struck me. Sitting in a coffee shop across from OutWrite books in ATL, I noticed a flyer for "free to good home" Big ass maine coon cat, described as loving and gentle. She has FIV but could still live a full and happy life.

Just about cried. Been kind of moody lately anyway, and was going to the book store to pick up "And the Band Played On" It seemed surreal, like a sign or something.

I didn't know cats get it too. Felt a strong desire to adopt that cat, but thought better of it. And have worried about her since. I may head that way again, and see if she is still available. Obviously me and the cat have something in common.

My siamese TinkTink had it back in the mid 90's and I had to put her down when she got real sick, after 13 great years with her. Interesting that it manifests itself in some of the same ways, diarreha, lesions, vomitting and weight loss. Sad. Back then there was no treatment available

Cats with FIV can live a normal life and they don't spread the disease to other cats unless they were to have a major cat fight that involved deep puncture wounds.

On a separate note: people should not offer pets "free to a good home." There are demented people out there looking for free dogs and cats who they then turn around and sell for medical research. I know of a group that went around looking for free dogs and cats for just this reason. It was a "family" with two kids and even a grandmother, they painted the perfect picture of a "loving family."

This is why those who know better charge a "re-homing" fee, it dissuades this kind of activity.

Cats with FIV can live a normal life and they don't spread the disease to other cats unless they were to have a major cat fight that involved deep puncture wounds.

On a separate note: people should not offer pets "free to a good home." There are demented people out there looking for free dogs and cats who they then turn around and sell for medical research. I know of a group that went around looking for free dogs and cats for just this reason. It was a "family" with two kids and even a grandmother, they painted the perfect picture of a "loving family."

This is why those who know better charge a "re-homing" fee, it dissuades this kind of activity.

The point I was making is that people shouldn't be duped into giving away their family pet to a "good home" when in fact the animal may end up living a dreadful life in a lab.

Most research involving animals is unnecessary and doesn't involve finding the cure to cancer or AIDS or any other serious affliction. We're talking blinding thousands of beagles, for example, so that someone can wear eye shadow. Or purposely cutting a hole on the sides of live dogs and cats in order to observe in real time how long it takes for a particular dog or cat food to be digested (I'm talking about you, Iams). There's a lot of deliberate cruelty that goes on in the guise of "research."

The point I was making is that people shouldn't be duped into giving away their family pet to a "good home" when in fact the animal may end up living a dreadful life in a lab.

Most research involving animals is unnecessary and doesn't involve finding the cure to cancer or AIDS or any other serious affliction. We're talking blinding thousand of beagles, for example, so that someone can wear eye shadow. Or purposely cutting a hole on the sides of live dogs and cats in order to observe in real time how long it takes for a particular dog or cat food to be digested (I'm talking about you, Iams). There's a lot of deliberate cruelty that goes on in the guise of "research."

I hate Iams. I feel physically sick every time one of their adverts is shown on the telly. The things they do in the name of "research" are despicable. A mate of mine owns a pet shop and I talked her out of stocking any Iams products. When she went to some of the internet sites I directed her to, she was as appalled as me. The head honchos at Iams should be subjected to the same treatment they dole out to defenceless animals. I'm not normally a violent person, but I'd love to kick the shit out of the Iams assholes. Grrrrrrrrrrr..............

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I hate Iams. I feel physically sick every time one of their adverts is shown on the telly. The things they do in the name of "research" are despicable. A mate of mine owns a pet shop and I talked her out of stocking any Iams products. When she went to some of the internet sites I directed her to, she was as appalled as me. The head honchos at Iams should be subjected to the same treatment they dole out to defenceless animals. I'm not normally a violent person, but I'd love to kick the shit out of the Iams assholes. Grrrrrrrrrrr..............

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

The second website has info on other companies that are unnecessarily cruel to animals as well.

OK...here goes. I am dreading seeing this, but kinda feel like I have to. Especially the one that lists other companies. Hell...I've come close to buying IAMS food for Lola Bear many times - and always felt good about it because they seem to bill themselves as such caring pet people.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Ann, I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one on here who hates Iams. I guess other companies are also bad. It's so hard in this day and age to find a big corporation that isn't tainted in some way but the Iams thing is over the top. The tests they do are completely unnecessary.

I hope anyone who reads this and has pets doesn't buy Iams/Eukanuba or other Procter & Gamble products.

There seems to be more to this. Truthfully, anytime I see PETA involved in something, I question the motives. I am a huge dog lover, but I do not approve of the way PETA has handled many things. However, they have also brought to light many truly bad and evil practices, so therefore, their existence is essential.

The reason I am posting this is because all too often information gets spread that is misleading, exaggerated or an outright lie. Then a company, person or persons are permanently damaged because of it. So, I urge all to do their own real research before condemning and passing along information that may not be all it seems to be.That being said......much love to all!!M